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So have not done an update here in a while it seems. No one is really that interested in a stock appearing STi, boring. But "Lucille" is quite the lady now. She participated in the attempt to break world record for largest Subaru parade (awaiting official results-but unofficially we did it).

For a couple of weeks off and on I had been prepping the car with parts from boxes sitting around. Was able to finally get the Group N engine mounts installed. Got the Kart Boy pitch mount installed, added the Tigwerks uppipe which was wrapped in DEI titanium wrap. Added the Grimmspeed stock ported endpipes with a stock wrapped midpipe. Plumbed the exhaust gas temperture probe so the gauge that was installed last year finally works, and no more blinking red light. Wrapped the downpipe up to the cat.

Put everything back together and had a chance to drive it Friday morning. The butt dyno was so pleased face had a permanent grin from ear to ear. Shifting was so much more precise, now more relative motion in the shifter stalk (has all of the TiC bushings so movement was minimal before). Launching the car from a dead stop changed if I can say that.

The engine mounts were installed loose along with the transmission mounts being loosened. Engine was started and put into a forward and reverse gear and the clutch released for a split second. All this was done to settle the drivetrain prior to torqueing the engine/transmission mounts. Going to say that there was no difference in drivetrain harmonics that I could tell. So tip to those doing mounts, start the engine and settle the drivetrain prior to applying torque to the bolts/nuts. Even the pitch stop bolts were loose.

Took some weight off the front by installing the Oswald brace I got from Amy. That is one quality part. Very light in comparison, gonna have to say it also contributed to my butt dyno feeling of preciseness, speed and being connected.

Like I already mentioned, the car was more responsive I assume from the uppipe change. It just feels better in every way. Car really ran good the 700 ish miles it saw Sunday. I was a baaaaaaaddd boy on both the drive up, Tunnel of the Trees and the drive home. Fortunately all without incident.

My impressions of the Q-Rack continue as I am a true Fanboi as I was called. In the twisties of Tunnel of the Trees minimal steering inputs were required to navigate the many turns. Granted my right arm is about 60% normal I did not experience a great deal of discomfort. Overall pleased with that change, money well spent. Since installed I have not had the opportunity to really experience it on dry pavement for any real length of time.

FF to Monday afternoon and while giving a friend a right upon exiting the E-way I hear what sounds like an exhaust leak. Sure enough after my brother gets in the car to leave I can really hear it. The Grimmspeed ported parts had like his V1 gaskets on it. I had forgotten to purchase new stock gaskets and really hope that is the issue. Won't get a chance to look at it til later this week.

Still basking in the afterglow of the weekend. Pretty much raped Michigan roads, was visually reminded of the beauty that is northern Michigan. Had a ton of fun around like minded people in a great little town called Elk Rapids,and drove to mighty Mac via Tunnel of the Trees and the coastal roads in northern Michigan. If you ever have a chance to get to Mackinaw, Traverse City, "Pee"toskey (got a story bout that town and a little old lady at a traffic light) or other NW Michigan cities, you need to include Tunnel of the Trees as part of your drive. Trust me on this one, you will come away amazed. I did it as a child/teenager, but had forgotten it. One of Pure Michigans many hidden treasures.

FF to Monday afternoon and while giving a friend a right upon exiting the E-way I hear what sounds like an exhaust leak. Sure enough after my brother gets in the car to leave I can really hear it. The Grimmspeed ported parts had like his V1 gaskets on it. I had forgotten to purchase new stock gaskets and really hope that is the issue. Won't get a chance to look at it til later this week.

And Confirmed that 1 1/2" section of Grimmspeed V1 midpipe gasket is blown the **** out! I knew I should have picked up new gaskets when I hit the dealer last week. At least it didn't happen on parade day.